Now that this has gotten to +7.5, I'm going to jump. Alabama looks great with two wins over No. 1 teams already in North Carolina (obviously overrated) and Houston, but I almost think oddsmakers are overvaluing that Cougars upset a bit with this big number against a very talented Memphis team that will see the season and school debut of Damaria Franklin, an All-Horizon League pick last year for UIC who was just ruled eligible Monday and will play (has been practicing). Franklin averaged 17.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game a year ago. I think this number should be around 5. The SL Model has the Tide winning by 6. OK.

Pace always plays an important role in handicapping college hoops but this total is too high even given this is a matchup of two teams that like to run. What I’m focused on is this being a matchup of two teams that so far this season have excelled on the defensive end so far — both ranking in the top 20 in adjusted defensive efficiency — and the fact that the Crimson Tide might be in a hangover spot following the impressive win at Houston over the weekend. Memphis is extremely experienced and will want to make a young Alabama team uncomfortable in this spot, and that type of approach should lead to a few less buckets than this total is suggesting.